Eyeglasses Stores Buying Guide

In a Consumer Reports’ fall 2022 survey, the eyeglass and contact lens stores that topped our ratings received high marks for overall satisfaction. Results were based on more than 11,000 members who, collectively, reported on eyeglass purchases at 18 retailers.

We asked respondents to tell us about a variety of attributes, including product quality, price, selection, fitting, customer service and follow-up service, and more. Out of all the attributes we asked about, product quality was the biggest predictor of a respondent’s overall satisfaction with his or her retailer. That makes sense; after all, your glasses need to do their job of correcting your vision, holding up to daily use, and fitting, feeling, and looking good on your face.

Still, there are plenty of trade-offs to make. For example, retailers that got high marks for service, fitting, and follow-up, including independent retailers and private doctors, also tended to cost more. Some of the least expensive options for online shopping tended to receive somewhat lower scores when it came to product quality. And some of the retailers with the highest Overall Scores, including Costco Optical and Sam’s Club Optical, are only accessible if you’re a member.

The takeaway is that when you’re figuring out where to get eyewear, the option that works best for you is the one that meets your individual needs the best. Our ratings highlight exactly what survey respondents reported each vendor provided—or didn’t. Here are some considerations that may come into play when you’re looking for an eyewear store.

Cost
Whether they’re buying online or at a walk-in store, many CR members told us that cost is one of their chief considerations when choosing an eyewear retailer. The median price respondents paid after insurance for a pair of glasses was $205, but there’s a lot of variance when it comes to eyeglasses. The cheapest stores in our ratings sold glasses for a median of less than $100, while the priciest had a median of more than $300. And a handful of respondents reported they paid as much as $1,000 for a pair of frames.

One cost-saving possibility: Look online. People who found their glasses there paid a median of $111, while those buying in-store paid $215.

Service and Follow-Up
If it’s important to you to get help and information from your eyewear retailer and you don’t mind paying more for a new pair of glasses, it may be worth it to buy from an independent local optical shop or a private doctor’s office, where you’re more likely to get exceptional personal attention.

Convenience
Some people may have plenty of walk-in stores available nearby, while others have few local options. But more and more people are drawn to the convenience of buying glasses online. Even though frames have to fit (and ideally be flattering), online retailers are increasingly coming up with ways to give you a sense of how frames will look on you, from letting you “try” them on an uploaded photo of yourself to allowing you to order and evaluate multiple frames and return the ones you don’t want.

When you’re buying glasses online, the selection is likely to be good, and so are the prices. But both may vary a lot from site to site, so it’s still worth shopping around.

There can also be drawbacks to buying online. You’re taking a chance if you buy frames without having tried them on to see how they look and fit, so you may want to stick with an online retailer that offers a way for you to try them before you buy. It can also be a hassle to return glasses you’ve purchased if there’s an issue. This can be more problematic if you order eyeglass lenses along with your frames, especially if you have a complex prescription. And if your frames need adjusting, you’ll probably have to find a local professional to do it.

All that said, it’s worth noting that satisfaction rates averaged about the same for online retailers as for walk-in retailers overall.

One retailer that strives to give you the best of both worlds is Warby Parker. It sells eyeglasses online and in walk-in stores, which also provide eye exams.  

Where and how you should look for glasses will depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re not fussy about frames, a discount store may be right for you. If money isn’t a primary concern, your ophthalmologist or optometrist (if they sell eyewear) or an independent eyeglass store may be your best choice. But if you’re looking for savings, a great selection of frames, and the personal touch that comes with dealing with a professional in person, you might consider splitting up the process, as we discuss below.

Talk to Your Eye Doctor
If you’re having your eyes examined (which is always a good idea to rule out any underlying eye health conditions, as well as to get an up-to-date prescription), ask the doctor for advice about which lenses are best for you and whether there’s anything you need to consider when buying frames or lenses. For example, if you’d like progressive or other multifocal lenses, a narrow frame might not be able to accommodate your prescription. And rimless and semi-rimless frames may be problematic if you have a strong prescription that requires thicker lenses.

Also discuss add-ons, such as anti-glare coatings and transitional lenses, to find out what your doctor thinks. If your doctor’s office sells frames, try some on to get a sense of what you do and don’t like. And ask the staff for advice about what will work best for you.

If you’re planning to buy your eyewear elsewhere, make sure to ask the doctor to measure your pupillary distance (the distance between the center of each of your pupils) because online vendors will need that information to create your glasses properly. There are some online tools for this, but a professional can do the job more accurately. Note that some offices may charge for this. About a third of respondents in our survey who bought their glasses online but got their pupillary distance at another location had to pay for this service.

Comparison Shop
If you look for frames at your doctor’s office and don’t find anything that you like or think is reasonably priced, try some walk-in stores. Many brands and frames are available from multiple retailers, so write down the brand, model number, and size of the frames you’d consider buying. You’ll find that information marked on the frame’s temples (the pieces that connect the glasses to your ears).

Once you have a few top picks, search the web using those brands and model numbers. There’s a good chance you’ll find the frames you like at a much lower cost. If you plan to buy your lenses online as well as the frames, check the site’s lens prices, too.

Divide and Conquer
You may be able to save some money if you purchase frames online but have the prescription filled at a local discount store. You’ll probably have to pay a little extra to have lenses put in frames you bought elsewhere. The store may be willing to adjust your new frames if needed.

Or Consider One-Stop Shortcuts
If your eye examination is at Costco or Target and you spot a frame you like there, you might not need to look any further for lower prices. A Warby Parker store may be another one-stop option, especially if you only need single-vision lenses, because those are included in the prices of their frames.

Report Any Problems Right Away
After you get your new glasses, alert the retailer immediately to any problems you notice with the frames or lenses. Some retailers will let you exchange frames that you find you don’t like for little or no cost, even if you ordered prescription lenses. If you find defects or just don’t like your glasses, be aware that warranties and store policies vary, so there may be time limits involved.

Here are a few practical tips to follow wherever you decide to shop.

Check the Retailer’s Reputation
If you’re unfamiliar with an eyewear retailer, whether walk-in or online, it’s worth checking to see whether it has a Better Business Bureau report before buying. You can also do a web search with the name of the retailer and terms such as “complaints” and “reviews” to see what other customers have to say.

Ask About Insurance
If you have vision insurance, find out whether the eyewear retailer you’re considering accepts your plan. Even if it doesn’t, in some cases you may be able to pay up front and obtain reimbursement from your plan. Find out from your insurance company.

Get a Spare Pair
If you find a great deal, consider buying a second pair of glasses. That way, if your primary pair is lost or broken, you won’t have to run to an expensive shop to have a replacement made right away.